New processing order for skilled visas.
Visa file / Skilled and work visas
Skilled Nominated visa 190
Permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.
ChangingInvitation only
File: 190
Main chargeA$6,140
Information checked22 October 2026
Personal adviceRegistered agent only
Who it is for
Skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government. Each state sets its own criteria, often including where you live or work and a commitment to live in that state.
Published eligibility
- Under 45 when invited, with at least competent English.
- Occupation on the relevant list and a suitable skills assessment.
- At least 65 points (the nomination adds 5).
- Nomination by a state or territory. If the nomination is withdrawn after you lodge, the application becomes invalid.
- If you hold or last held a 491 or 494, you must have held it for at least 3 years.
- Health, character and the Australian values statement.
Where you apply from
In or outside Australia once invited (not in immigration clearance). In Australia you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging A, B or C.
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
Enquiry and state options
Choose target states and check their occupation lists and criteria.
Where a registered migration agent can helpCompares state options honestly.
- 02
English test and skills assessment
Book the test and apply to the assessing authority.
Where a registered migration agent can helpChecks the occupation code and evidence.
- 03
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 04
Expression of Interest and state registration
Lodge an Expression of Interest and, for many states, a separate registration of interest.
Where a registered migration agent can helpKeeps state and federal claims consistent.
- 05
Nomination and invitation
If the state nominates you, Home Affairs sends the invitation.
Where a registered migration agent can helpDiarises the 60-day deadline.
- 06
Lodge within 60 days
Lodge in ImmiAccount and pay the charge.
Where a registered migration agent can helpLodges a complete application.
- 07
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
Where a registered migration agent can helpTracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
- 08
Decision and permanent residence
Processing follows a Ministerial Direction from 19 September 2026.
Where a registered migration agent can helpExplains the grant and your commitment to the state.
- 09
After grant
Honour your commitment to the state in good faith; Medicare, family sponsorship and citizenship when eligible.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPlans citizenship timing.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$6,140 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$3,070 |
| Family member under 18 | A$1,535 |
| Second instalment | A$4,885 |
State and territory nomination fees are separate and set by each state. Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Nominated | 4 months | 16 months |
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- Points not proven.
- Nomination withdrawn or not matching the application.
- Misrepresenting your intention to live or work in the nominating state.
- Claims in the state application not matching the visa application.
- Health or character.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Identity
Points and nomination
Family and character
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
2026-27 State and Territory Nominated places: 35,500.
Points test redesign announced, not in force.
Sources
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
Where this becomes advice
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
Ask for a referral to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130 Ask for a call back about a referral
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.